Saturday, November 3, 2012

CD Review: Tony Bennett Lets Loose His Latin Side With "Viva Duets"

Tony Bennett doesn’t know of the word “retire.” At 86 years young, Tony Bennett is releasing his latest album of new recordings entitled “Viva Duets.” This album follows his prior two platinum selling duets-themed albums. This version adds a little bit of spice as Bennett duets with some of the top names in the Latin recording community. All of Bennett’s “Duets” albums were recorded live in the studio and this one is no exception as Bennett and the artist are able to feed off each other’s energy.

Even if Spanish is not your first or even second language, this album carries the passion that Tony Bennett puts into each of his performances. Whether it is the loving rendition of “The Way You Look Tonight” with Mexican singer, Thalia or the jazz-filled “Are You Havin’ Any Fun?”featuring Dani Martin, Tony Bennett’s voice sets the stage for each guest to rise to the occasion. Even when he duets with the ever popular ladies of Latin, Christina Aguilera and Gloria Estefan, Tony’s voice becomes the main attraction of the recording. One of the highlights of this album is Bennett’s duet with Marc Anthony on Stevie Wonder’s “For Once In My Life” as each artist makes the other one sound so pure. The album closes with the classic “Return To Me” done with some Latin flair provided by Vicente Fernandez as it was recorded at Fernandez’ ranch in Guadalajara.

The new album was released on October 22 through Columbia Records and debuted at #10 on the Billboard 200 Album chart. Tony Bennett is currently touring the U.S. before heading down to Brazil in December. For more information, please visit tonybennett.com.